Please note that the information we provide in this article is current as of the date of publication, and the DHA regularly updates rules and regulations. Kindly ensure that you check the official updates before making any decisions, or speak with an immigration lawyer for the most up-to-date information, as laws and conditions are subject to change.
This article will provide a general PR application Australia checklist for those who are seeking permanent residency (PR) in the country. Obtaining permanent residency in Australia allows individuals and families to:
- enjoy a high quality of life,
- access to excellent education and healthcare services, and
- the opportunity to work and study without restrictions.
It also provides a pathway towards eventual citizenship for those who wish to make Australia their permanent home.
Australian Visas for Permanent Residency
Before we proceed to the PR application Australia checklist, let’s look at the overview of some Australian visas that will lead to permanent residency.
The Australian government offers several visas for permanent residency, each with its own eligibility requirements and benefits. Some of the common ways of becoming a permanent resident in Australia include:
1. Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189). This visa is for skilled workers who do not have sponsorship from employers, or a state, or a family member. It allows the holder to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.
2. Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190): This involves skilled workers receiving a nomination from any Australian state such as NSW, Victoria, Queensland or Western Australia. It is a permanent visa allowing the visa holder to live in Australia indefinitely.
2. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186). This visa is for skilled workers who are nominated by an approved Australian employer. It has three streams: the Temporary Residence Transition stream, the Direct Entry stream, and the Agreement stream.
Other Visas
3. Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (Subclass 888). This visa is for people who have owned and operated a business in Australia on a provisional Business Innovation and Investment visa (Subclass 188) and are nominated by a state or territory government.
4. Partner visa (Subclasses 801 and 100). These visas are for individuals who are married to or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
5. Contributory Parent visa (Subclasses 143 and 864). These visas are for parents of a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
These are just a few examples of the many pathways to permanent residency in Australia. Each visa has specific requirements and conditions, so it’s important to consider which option best suits your situation and goals carefully.
For more information about the specific requirements and application process for each visa, we recommend that you visit the Department of Home Affairs website or consult with a qualified migration lawyer.
PR Application Australia Checklist
Because the requirements for each Australian visa vary, this PR application Australia checklist will only provide the general requirements for applicants based on the most common visa streams for permanent residency. Here are some of the important documents that you will require for an Australian visa application:
- Marriage certificate (If you are married and your spouse is migrating with you. If you are not married to your spouse (you are in a de-facto relationship) it will be tricky as you will have to provide a lot of different documents to convince case officers about your relationship.)
- Birth certificate
- Identity documents
- Police clearance certificates
- Employment contract and payslips for foreign workers who want to work in Australia
- Divorce certificate
- Military service records or discharge papers if you served in the army
- Bank statements
- Business activity statements
Family-stream Permanent Residence Visas
Family-stream permanent residence visas in Australia are designed for various family members of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. This includes partner and parent visas.
Here’s the PR application Australia checklist for this stream:
- The applicant must either be a partner, child, parent or dependent relative of an Australian citizen, permanent resident of Australia or Eligible New Zealand citizen.
- The applicant can be a child being adopted or in the process of being adopted outside of Australia.
- The applicant can also be a carer who need to move to Australia to provide long-term care for an approved relative.
- You must check that you meet the eligibility criteria for the specific family-stream permanent residence visa you are applying for.
- Comply with the character and health requirements imposed by the DHA.
- Prepare all the necessary documents according to the visa you are applying for.
Work-stream Permanent Residence Visas
Work-stream permanent residence visas in Australia are designed for individuals who have an Australian employer sponsoring them to work in the country or those who have been nominated by a state or territory government agency
Some of the popular work-stream permanent residence visas include the temporary residence transition stream visa (TRT), employer nomination scheme (ENS), and skilled independent visa (subclass 189). Here’s a PR application Australia checklist for this stream:
- Select the specific work-stream visa type that leads to permanent residency. Check out this list from the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to explore your work visa options.
- Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the chosen visa type, including factors such as work experience, sponsorship, English language proficiency, and skills assessment.
- Prepare the necessary documents and comply with the character and health requirements.
Business or Investment-stream Permanent Residence Visas
There are 43 visa options under this stream which includes business owner visa, investor visa, business talent visa, skilled nominated visa, distinguished talent visa, and global talent visa.
These visas provide a pathway to permanent residency in Australia for individuals who meet the specific requirements and are willing to make substantial business or investment commitments in the country.
Here’s a PR application Australia checklist for the business stream visa:
- Choose the specific visa stream under the Business Innovation and Investment Program.
- Review your eligibility as a business stream visa applicant. Eligbility criteria may include factors such as as business turnover, net assets, points test, and state or territory government nomination.
- Prepare and supply a range of documentation, such as evidence of business or investment activity, net business assets, compliance with designated investment requirements, and evidence of meeting specific visa stream criteria.
Do note that specific requirements and processes may vary depending on the chosen visa stream. This PR application Australia checklist is only based on the general immigration requirements. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with a qualified migration lawyer or visit the DHA website for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Let JB Solicitors Simplify the Process
Dreaming of making Australia your forever home? Permanent residency opens doors to endless possibilities, from building a career to raising a family in the sunshine. However, the application process can be daunting, filled with complex paperwork and ever-changing regulations.
JB Solicitors’ seasoned migration lawyers can help you get a permanent residency visa. We will tailor your application to your unique circumstances, highlighting your strongest points and addressing potential weaknesses.
Contact us today.
